One Pot Pasta Bolognese Recipe

One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a hearty, comforting dish that combines the rich, meaty flavors of traditional Bolognese sauce with pasta, all cooked together in one pot. This method not only saves time but also lets the pasta absorb all the delicious flavors from the sauce. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 carrot, finely chopped or grated
• 1 celery stalk, finely chopped
• 1 lb (450g) ground beef or ground turkey (or a mix of both)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth or chicken broth
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
• 1 bay leaf (optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 12 oz (340g) pasta (such as rigatoni, penne, or spaghetti)
• 1/4 cup heavy cream or whole milk (optional, for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables:

• In a large Dutch oven or stockpot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the onion, garlic, carrot, and celery to the pot. Sauté for about 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are softened and the onion becomes translucent.

2. Brown the Meat:

• Add the ground beef (or turkey) to the pot and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

3. Add the Tomatoes and Seasoning:

• Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, oregano, basil, thyme, and bay leaf (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

4. Add the Pasta:

• Add the uncooked pasta to the pot. Stir everything to combine, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the sauce.
• Pour in more broth or water (about 1-2 cups) if necessary to make sure the pasta is mostly covered.
• Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook according to the pasta package instructions (usually about 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed the sauce.

5. Finish the Dish:

• Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream or milk (if using) for a creamy texture. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

6. Serve:

• Spoon the One Pot Pasta Bolognese onto plates and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish.

Tips:

• For extra richness: Stir in a tablespoon or two of butter or use half-and-half instead of milk for extra creaminess.
• Vegetarian option: You can swap the ground meat for lentils or mushrooms to make a vegetarian version of Bolognese.
• Add some heat: If you like spice, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the meat.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve this One Pot Pasta Bolognese with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a full, satisfying meal.

This One Pot Pasta Bolognese is a great weeknight dinner that delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic Bolognese, without the need for multiple pots or long cooking times. Enjoy!